Bethlehem inaugurates Christmas Market

Palestinian Minister of Tourism, Dr, Kholoud D’ebis, headed the Friday evening inauguration of Christmas Market in Bethlehem which is held by the Heritage Preservation Center and the Palestinian International Labor Forum.

The Church Of Nativity - Bethlehem, Palestine

Dr. D’ebis stated that Christmas message from Bethlehem, as the city prepares to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, is a message of peace, a message to break the siege and a message for a positive political development.

She added that Christmas Market in Al Nijma (Star) street in Bethlehem, one of the streets that carry significant historic and religious significance, is considered a challenge to the unjust siege, the unjust military assaults and the Annexation Wall which isolates Bethlehem from its surrounding areas.

 “In spite of all of these challenges, Bethlehem is ready to celebrate Christmas”, the minister said, “Bethlehem is welcoming its visitors, and the pilgrims”.

Christian Nasser, head of the Center, said in her opening speech that Christmas Market aims at reviving Bethlehem, and help the shopkeepers and handcraft workshops maintain their businesses which were sharply affected by the siege and the occupation.

The Christmas Market includes Palestinian products such as mother-of-pearl, olivewood handcrafts, folk music, Christmas music, food, olive oil, falafel and other local products.

It will last for eight days; several local scout groups will take part of the festivities.